Journal of Biology and Nature

The present study documents the ethnomedicinal knowledge of indigenous communities in the Patur Forest, Akola District, Maharashtra, during 2021–2024. The survey aimed to enumerate medicinal plants used in the treatment of human ailments, categorize them by therapeutic applications and routes of administration, and highlight their cultural significance. Data were collected from 100 informants across ten villages through interviews, field observations, and participatory methods. A total of 98 medicinal plant species belonging to 88 genera and 49 families were identified. Fabaceae was the dominant family (10 species), followed by Liliaceae, Caesalpiniaceae, Anacardiaceae, Verbenaceae, and Poaceae (5 species each). Life-form analysis showed 37 species of trees, 35 herbs, 19 shrubs, and 5 climbers. Leaves (27.78%), bark (11.11%), and fruits (8.73%) were the most frequently used plant parts. Fresh materials were preferred in 68.38% of preparations, mainly administered orally (60.31%), followed by local, nasal, and dermal routes. Common preparation methods included crushing, extracts, and decoctions. Knowledge transfer was largely restricted within families, typically from father to son, indicating the risk of erosion of traditional practices. The findings reveal the rich ethnomedicinal diversity of Patur Forest and emphasize the need for conservation of both plant resources and indigenous knowledge. This documentation may support future pharmacological studies and contribute to biodiversity conservation strategies.